Procession of Saint Nicholas

A Centuries-Old Tradition in the Heart of Lorraine

The Procession of Saint Nicholas in Saint-Nicolas-de-Port is one of the oldest and most spectacular traditions in Lorraine. Every year, on the Saturday closest to December 6th, the Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port, a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, hosts an ancestral torchlight procession in honor of the patron saint of Lorraine, a relic of whom—a phalanx—is preserved in the building.

The Torchlight Procession

The most solemn moment of the day is the night torchlight procession in the Basilica. The doors of the building close in the late afternoon to reopen at 7:30 PM, welcoming thousands of faithful and visitors with candles. At 8:30 PM, the procession begins, presided over by a bishop, in an atmosphere of exceptional reverence and fervor. The immense nave of the Basilica, lit only by the flames of the candles, offers a spectacle of striking beauty.

The Vespers

As a prelude to the procession, Solemn Vespers are celebrated at 4 PM in the Basilica, marking the beginning of the Saint Nicholas religious celebrations.

The Float Parade

Ahead of the procession, the town comes alive with the traditional parade of floats and musical groups in the streets of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port. This colorful and festive procession winds through the illuminated town, creating a joyful and popular atmosphere that precedes the solemnity of the procession.

The Saint Nicholas Village

The town sets up a Saint Nicholas Village with chalets, shows, and activities for the whole family. This festive village allows visitors to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and Lorraine traditions throughout the day.

The Summer Saint Nicholas Procession

In addition to the main December procession, a Summer Saint Nicholas Procession is organized every year on Whit Monday, perpetuating the devotion to the patron saint of Lorraine in a more intimate setting.

Exceptional Heritage

The Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port, built between 1481 and 1560, is one of the finest examples of Flamboyant Gothic architecture in Lorraine. Its vaults rising to a height of 28 meters and its Renaissance stained-glass windows make it an exceptional monument, listed as a historic monument, and the ideal setting for this age-old procession.